Plant bioinvasions in the northeastern slope of Mount Makiling, Luzon, Philippines (1998-2009)

Issue Date

2011

Abstract

After twelve years (1998-2009) of research on bioinvasion in lowland Mount MakilingForest with student advisees and three University of the Philippines Rural High Schoolscience students, the author who is the adviser of these young scientists draws insights on thestatus of bioinvasion by alien tree taxa in the northeastern slope of lowland Mount Makiling.From these results the author believes Mt. Makiling Forest is facing a serious problem ofquick bioinvasion in gap and open areas [for examples, by Paper Mulberry (Broussonetiapapyrifera) and Skyflower (Thunbergia grandiflora)] while it is gradually succumbing toslow bioinvasion at the expense of secondary and primary forests (for examples, by Bigleafed Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and Palosanto (Triplaris cumingiana)]. Betweenthe quick and slow bioinvasion, the former is easily perceived as their impacts are observed ina lifetime while the latter is like cancer appearing to be benign but actually is ecologicallymalignant. The former version of bioinvasion easily motivates an immediate counter mitigation,while the latter is usually met with complacency or even scepticism but, in the long run,inaction at the present could bring the problem to irreversible proportions. Results also showthat Philippine native species but alien to Mt. Makiling [for examples, Tanguile (Shoreapolysperma), Balitbitan (Cynometra ramiflora), Marang Banguhan (Artocarpus odoratissimus),etc.] are not spreading and therefore considered not bioinvasive, although some of them arecontributors to few wildlings in the forest. Some alien tree species (Rain Tree, Samaneasaman), even if they contribute wildlings within the immediate location of mother trees, arenot considered threats since seeds are not dispersed far and wide into the forests. However,alien trees efficiently long-dispersed by wind and by non-volant mammals and flying vectorssuch as bats and birds should be automatically in the watch list as bioinvasive plant species. © Rushing Water Publishers Ltd. 2011.

Source or Periodical Title

Asia Life Sciences

ISSN

0117-3375

Issue

6

Page

13-30

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

Alien plant species, Bioinvasion, Lowland forest, Luzon, Mount makiling, Native plant species, Philippines, Plant biodiversity, Threats

Digital Copy

yes

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